Chalk & Talk

Mindsets and educational misconceptions with Carl Hendrick (Ep 22)

Join math professor, Anna Stokke, in conversation with author and educator Dr. Carl Hendrick.  They begin by discussing research on growth mindset. Then, they discuss whether motivation is a precursor to academic success or if, in fact, success is more likely to lead to motivation. They talk about whether engagement is a valid measure of learning and whether it's possible to teach generic skills like critical thinking. Anna asks Carl how we might define the science of learning and they discuss teaching methods that are in line with the science of learning. They wrap up the conversation with a discussion on the impact of mobile phones on learning, and Carl gives some valuable advice for new teachers.  This episode will be of interest to teachers, parents and anyone interested in education.
researchED Toronto, Canada: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/researched-canada-the-science-of-learning-toronto-may-3-4-2024-tickets-765640259627
EPISODE TRANSCRIPT
https://www.annastokke.com/ep-22-transcript
EPISODE RESOURCES
https://www.annastokke.com/ep-22-resources
MUSIC
Intro and Outro: Coma Media – Catch It
Blue Dot Sessions – Building the Sled, Cherie’s Polvo, Cherry Heath, Cigar Singles, Haventhorn, Lemon and Melon
Website: www.annastokke.com
X: @rastokke
Threads: @rastokke37
Bluesky: @rastokke.bsky.social

Ep 21. The right to learn math with Daniel Ansari

Join math professor, Anna Stokke, as she interviews Dr. Daniel Ansari, who is a Canada Research Chair in developmental cognitive neuroscience.  They discuss the importance of early numeracy skills and his research on symbolic representations. They talk about similarities and differences between math and reading. They also debunk the misconception of gender differences in math.
Responding to a question from a teacher, Daniel discusses the role of manipulatives in teaching math. He also discusses dyscalculia and provides some tips for helping students who struggle with math.  They close the episode by discussing some common neuromyths.  Among other things, Daniel stresses the fundamental right of every child to learn math.
The resource page for this episode includes studies mentioned in the episode and resources for helping children who struggle with math.
EPISODE TRANSCRIPT
https://www.annastokke.com/ep-21-transcript
EPISODE RESOURCES
https://www.annastokke.com/ep-21-resources
MUSIC
Intro and Outro: Coma Media – Catch it
Podington Bear – Proliferate
Blue Dot Sessions – Balti, Hedgeliner, Cornicob, Coulis Coulis, Lissa
Website: www.annastokke.com
X: @rastokke
Threads: @rastokke37
Bluesky: @rastokke.bsky.social

Ep 20. Reading and math: parallels and pitfalls with Matthew Burns

Join math professor, Anna Stokke, for a discussion about reading and math with Dr. Matthew Burns.  He is well-known for his research in reading instruction, including research on the effectiveness of the Fountas & Pinnell Benchmark Assessment System.  He has also published research on math interventions.  He gives a brief history of reading instruction and explains how ideas about how to teach reading became pervasive despite lacking scientific evidence.  They then move on to discuss parallels with math instruction, which is the focus of the episode.
A noticeable shift is happening in reading, with educators and policymakers now recognizing the importance of phonics and other principles from the science of reading.  Math has not received the same level of attention as reading, despite being extremely important.  Anna asks Matt to discuss what turned things around for reading and to offer suggestions for how we might create a similar shift for math.
The resource page for this episode includes studies mentioned in the episode and resources for helping children develop automaticity with math facts.
EPISODE TRANSCRIPT
https://www.annastokke.com/ep-20-transcript
EPISODE RESOURCES
https://www.annastokke.com/ep-20-resources
MUSIC
Intro and Outro: Coma Media – Catch it
Podington Bear – Lakeside Path
Blue Dot Sessions – General Inamorata, The Gran Dias, Tarte Tatin, Thannoid
Website: www.annastokke.com
X: @rastokke
Threads: @rastokke37
Bluesky: @rastokke.bsky.social

Ep 19. The Calculus Project with Adrian Mims

Join Anna Stokke in conversation with Dr. Adrian Mims.  He is the co-founder and CEO of the Calculus Project, which is a non-profit organization that aims to increase the number of Black, Hispanic, Indigenous and low-income students taking calculus, starting with support in middle school.
They discuss why he started The Calculus Project, the various components of the program, and its overall impact.  They talk about what he calls “the quiet crisis,” in reference to declining math scores, and why it’s important to turn that around.  They discuss the importance of offering math acceleration options for middle school students.  They talk about the consequence of students finding themselves in a position where they must take remedial math in university.  Moreover, Dr. Mims shares some valuable advice for policy makers on how to improve math outcomes for students who have historically been underrepresented in math.  This episode will be of interest to teachers, school administrators, parents, policy makers and anyone with an interest in improving math outcomes.
EPISODE TRANSCRIPT
https://www.annastokke.com/ep-19-transcript
EPISODE RESOURCES
https://www.annastokke.com/ep-19-resources
MUSIC
Intro and Outro: Coma Media – Catch it
Podington Bear – No squirell commotion, Proliferate
Blue Dot Sessions – Partly Sage, Cornicob, Gaena, Thannoid
Website: www.annastokke.com
X: @rastokke
Threads: @rastokke37
Bluesky: @rastokke.bsky.social

Ep 18. Education myth-busting with Daisy Christodoulou

Join math professor, Anna Stokke, in conversation with Daisy Christodoulou.  Daisy is a teacher, an author and the Director of Education at No More Marking. They begin by discussing the myth that facts prevent understanding and the importance of content knowledge, with a side discussion on why it is important to memorize math facts.  They discuss why basic knowledge cannot just be outsourced to computers.  They talk about some common myths about exams and whether exams help students learn. Anna asks Daisy for her thoughts on a practice called ungrading. They talk about how to acquire knowledge and myths surrounding so-called 21st century skills. This episode is a must-listen for  anyone who is interested in education!
EPISODE TRANSCRIPT
https://www.annastokke.com/ep-18-transcript
EPISODE RESOURCES
https://www.annastokke.com/ep-18-resources
MUSIC
Intro and Outro: Coma Media – Catch it
Podington Bear – Squirrel Commotion, Prolifereate
Blue Dot Sessions:  Tarte Tatin, Cases to Rest, No Squirrel Commotion, Partly Sage
OY Studio – Light Comedy
 
Website: www.annastokke.com
X: @rastokke
Threads: @rastokke37
Bluesky: @rastokke.bsky.social
 

Ep 17. Do timed tests cause math anxiety? with Robin Codding

In Episode 17, Anna Stokke sits down with Dr. Robin Codding to talk about timed tests and math anxiety.   Robin is a psychology professor who researches math interventions, assessment tools and math anxiety. She is  one of the founding members of the group The Science of Math.  
In this episode, Anna asks Robin to shed some light on claims that timed tests cause math anxiety. They discuss the relationship between math achievement and math anxiety, whether it's important to include timed practice in math class, how much practice is needed to become fluent with math skills, at what stage students should be engaging in timed practice, causes of math anxiety, and best ways to mitigate it.  
They talk about the relationship between conceptual and procedural understanding and whether productive struggle is a reasonable instructional technique.  Robin also shares strategies for identifying instructional methods that are philosophy-based, rather than evidence-based.  This episode is an essential resource for clearing up misconceptions about timed tests and math anxiety.
EPISODE TRANSCRIPT
https://www.annastokke.com/ep-17-transcript
EPISODE RESOURCES
https://www.annastokke.com/ep-17-resources
MUSIC
Intro and Outro: Coma Media – Catch it
Podington Bear - Kitten
Blue Dot Sessions – Ivory pillow, Delmendra, Ivory Pillow, Partly Sage, Coulis Coulis
Website: www.annastokke.com
Twitter: @rastokke
Threads: @rastokke37

Ep 16. Applying cognitive science to education with Daniel Willingham

In Episode 16, Anna Stokke talks to cognitive psychologist and bestselling author Dr. Daniel Willingham. Dan shares some of the strategies in his latest book, "Outsmart Your Brain: Why Learning Is Hard and How You Can Make It Easy."
They begin by addressing the learning styles myth. They discuss what constitutes retrieval practice in a math context and why retrieval practice is more effective than simply reading. They talk about how to help students recognize and solve variations in math problems, how to get students to use notes effectively, and distractions that hinder learning, such as cell phones and multitasking. He also offers some advice for when students face setbacks. Some of the discussion is geared towards high school or post-secondary students and their instructors, but the conversation will be useful and interesting for anyone who teaches or is interested in human learning.
EPISODE TRANSCRIPT
https://www.annastokke.com/ep-16-transcript
EPISODE RESOURCES
https://www.annastokke.com/ep-16-resources
MUSIC
Intro and Outro: Coma Media – Catch it
Podington Bear - Kitten
Blue Dot Sessions – Tarte Tatin, Coulis Coulis, Balti, Are We Loose Yet, Gaena
Website: www.annastokke.com
Twitter: @rastokke
Threads: @rastokke37

Ep 15. Modern relevance in the math curriculum with Brian Conrad

Join Anna Stokke in discussion with Dr. Brian Conrad, who is a math professor and director of undergraduate studies in math at Stanford. They discuss some modern-day applications of math, and he gives some advice for parents who wonder what type of math their kids should learn to be ready for a four-year college degree in STEM or other quantitative fields. 
Listeners will receive an update on what happened with the California Math Framework since the two episodes featuring Jelani Nelson (Episodes 11 & 12).  As well, Brian Conrad shares examples of the many false or misleading citations he found permeating a 1000-page draft copy of the CMF. The discussion of those findings illustrates how citation misrepresentation can lead to misunderstandings about math and data science among the general public.
This episode is a must-listen for parents, teachers, policy makers and anyone with an interest in math or education.
EPISODE TRANSCRIPT
https://www.annastokke.com/ep-15-transcript
EPISODE RESOURCES
https://www.annastokke.com/ep-15-resources
MUSIC
Intro and Outro: Coma Media – Catch it
Blue Dot Sessions – Tarte Tatin, Callison, Ivory Pillow, Coulis Coulis, Cases to Rest, Delmendra, Delicates
Website: www.annastokke.com
Twitter: @rastokke
Threads: @rastokke37

Ep 14. Stress and learning with Dan Rosen

Join Anna Stokke in discussion with Dr. Dan Rosen, who is a teacher and school leader.  They explore the impact of stress on learning.  They talk about the biology of stress, the difference between anxiety and stress, and common factors that trigger stress for students in the classroom.
They also discuss misconceptions about stress.  For example, stress may actually enhance learning at certain stages of the learning process.  They discuss the claim that timed tests cause math anxiety and talk about practical strategies for minimizing the impact of stress in high-stakes assessments, like exams. This episode will benefit educators of all levels, from K-12 to post-secondary, regardless of the subject they teach, be it math or another field.  Parents will also find it useful.
EPISODE TRANSCRIPT
https://www.annastokke.com/ep-14-transcript
EPISODE RESOURCES
https://www.annastokke.com/ep-14-resources
MUSIC
Intro and Outro: Coma Media – Catch it
Blue Dot Sessions – Thannoid, Little Poder, Cases to Rest, Coulis Coulis
29811401 – Mysterious Illusion
OYStudio – Light Comedy
 
Website: www.annastokke.com
Twitter: @rastokke
Threads: @rastokke37

Ep 13. Powerful teaching with Patrice Bain

In Episode 13, Anna Stokke discusses teaching with Patrice Bain, who is a co-author of the book Powerful Teaching: Unleash the Science of Learning.  Patrice was one of the first K-12 teachers to partner with cognitive scientists so that research could be conducted in a classroom setting.  This episode is all about using research-based power tools to transform teaching.  They discuss retrieval practice, spacing, interleaving and metacognition.  Along the way, they give practical teaching tips, with a special focus on math.  The strategies discussed apply to teaching any field and to both K-12 and post-secondary.  In addition to a familiarity with research-based teaching strategies, Patrice brings a wealth of practical teaching experience to the conversation.  This episode is a must listen for anyone who is interested in evidence-informed teaching!
EPISODE TRANSCRIPT
https://www.annastokke.com/ep-13-transcript
EPISODE RESOURCES
https://www.annastokke.com/ep-13-resources
MUSIC
Intro and Outro: Coma Media – Catch it
Podington Bear – Proliferate, Kitten
Blue Dot Sessions – Partly Sage, Cases to Rest, No Squirrel Commotion
Purple Planet – Bright Ideas
 
Website: www.annastokke.com
Twitter: @rastokke